Guest houses in Transylvania
| country: | Romania |
| location: | Various locations in TransylvaniaSee map here |
| price: | From £30 - £48 per double room per night depending on guesthouse (sleeps 2-5). Meals available at additional cost - £6 breakfast, £10 lunch and £15 dinner |
description
Guesthouses in Transylvania: Traditional Saxon farmhouses in different villages in Transylvania, converted into beautiful self-catering guesthouses, with indoor facilities. Viscri: The village lies in the foothills of the Carpathians, north-west of Brasov. Set in a lovely valley, this is a perfect starting point to visit Mesendorf, Roades, Cloasterf and other Saxon villages with fortified churches. The Viscri church is UNESCO designated and its origins date from 1100 when the Hungarian Szeklers first settled in the village. The Trust has restored part of the church and at least 50 facades, barns, walls and buildings in this beautifully intact village. The village has a rough bar, museum and coffee/souvenir shop but no general store. The house has two double rooms in two separate buildings facing each other across a cobbled courtyard.
Malancrav: The village is very well preserved due to its isolation, 13 km down a country road, which eventually leads into the hills and forests. It is a perfect starting point to discover other secluded villages with fortified churches. Malancrav has the highest proportion of remaining Saxons in any village in Transylvania. The Lutheran church has rare 15th century frescoes and the oldest entire altarpiece (1520) still in original location in Transylvania. Close to the church is a hitherto abandoned Hungarian princely Manor House, beautifully restored by the Trust, along with many other houses in the village. Adjacent to the manor is an ancient orchard - now organic - also managed by the Trust. There are three small shops in the village selling basic food. The house has 3 double bedrooms in two separate cottages set together in a courtyard. 
Floresti: This small picturesque village is set among wooded hills, close to Malancrav. There are beautiful walks to Malancrav and Cris. With only 70 houses and 140 inhabitants, the village had been scheduled for “rural systemisation” (i.e. being bulldozed over) during Ceausescu’s regime. Luckily, the 1989 Revolution put a stop to that plan. The 15th century Saxon church, recently restored by the Trust, contains a plaque commemorating a member of the Transylvanian Bethlen family. The remains of the old altar (1550) are in the Sighisoara Museum. The house has one double room and has recently been restored and refurbished. Biertan: The village lies in a valley 8km to the south of Saros and is set among former terraced vineyards. It is first mentioned in a historical document in 1283 and as a trading centre in 1397. The magnificent church of St Mary is 44m long and surrounded by two circular fortified walls with a third one on the south-west side. The altar piece is exceptional. The church was restored in 1943 and in 1993 it was put on the UNESCO World Heritage list. There is a good restaurant in the village and several shops. The accommodation is located in the main square at the bottom of the church hill, and consists of two quite separate large double rooms.
Crit: First mentioned in documents by King Carl in 1322, the village has an elegant fortified church on a western hill. In 1810 the old church was taken down and a new spacious one built. The organ of 1822 was made by Johann Thois from Rasnov. The Trust has restored more than 20 houses here. There is a rough bar in the village and the Suciu family will welcome you and provide wonderful food if required. The house has two double rooms. Cloasterf: First mentioned in historical documents in 1322, the village possesses one of the finest smaller fortified churches, St Nicholas. Completed in 1524, it retains some of its original benches bearing coats of arms and 18th century altar and organ. The house sleeps 2 (one room with two beds) and is the bell-ringer's house. Now fully restored by the Trust, it is completely secluded, situated inside the historic precinct of the church.
special things to do and see here
Activities at our guesthouses in Transylvania Cultural tours: Individual or escorted tours can be arranged for tourists to visit medieval fortified churches in other villages, some of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage list (Biertan, Viscri, Valea Viilor, Prejmer), as well as neighbouring Sighisoara - the UNESCO fortified hilltop citadel - or Sibiu, 2007’s European Capital of Culture.
Horse riding: Spirited local horses are available in the villages for experienced riders. Horse-cart tours can also be arranged.
Botanical tours: Our team of local biologists can lead interesting, well-informed and lively tours, pointing out the amazing variety of wildflowers in the meadows and pastures around the Saxon villages.
Bird watching: Many species of birds whose numbers are declining in western Europe (particularly farmland birds) are still abundant in Transylvania. A Sighisoara-based ornithologist can be booked to guide bird-watching tours.
Traditional farming experiences: Visitors can experience ancient farming practices such as the return of the cow herd in the evening, the milking of the cows and buffalos, scything hey, cheese making etc. Tourists can also ask to be involved in particular activities in which they have a special interest.
Walking: Independent or guided walks are available from each accommodation. Hilly landscape, flowery meadows, deep forests and picturesque mediaeval villages lie almost on the doorstep of each guesthouse. Walking maps are available.
Cycling: Bicycles and mountain bikes can be hired from Sighisoara. The level dirt roads and hill paths are ideal for cycling, albeit with some steep slopes.
rooms, food and facilities
Our guesthouses in Transylvania have basically-equipped kitchens with traditional ceramic tile stoves. Even though the guesthouses are equipped for self-catering holidays, the villages lack big food shops, so we are also able to provide meals at extra cost, cooked by local ladies and we do recommend that guests book some of their meals with us. The prices for meals per person are: £6 breakfast, £10 lunch and £15 dinner.
Our Transylvania guesthouses are equipped with indoor bathrooms with hot water and WC (sheets and towels are provided). Large courtyards with patio area and lawn.
Viscri: 2 double rooms in two separate buildings facing each other across a cobbled courtyard - each with own shower, hot and cold running water and internal WC. Kitchen separate with wood and/or gas stove.
Malancrav: 3 double bedrooms in two separate cottages set together in a courtyard, with a stable and barn leading into an orchard and vineyard at the back. There is a shower and WC in each cottage, a basically equipped kitchen and a dining room with a wood-burning stove. Outdoor summer kitchen.
Floresti: 1 double room and has recently been restored and refurbished, with indoor WC and shower, a small kitchen area and an outside summer terrace.
Biertan: Located in the main square at the bottom of the church hill, consists of two quite separate large double rooms, each with shower and WC. The rooms overlook a cobbled courtyard and stable. On the right of the courtyard there is a kitchen, downstairs from a quiet shop selling local crafts, lace embroidery and painted furniture.
Crit: 2 double rooms. It was once the ancient site of the first village church and is set in a large courtyard with plum orchard, barn and small private stream. Indoor kitchen and outside summer kitchen. Internal bath and WC.
Cloasterf: Now fully restored by the Trust, it is completely secluded, situated inside the historic precinct of the fortified church. Stepping through the gate, you enter a different time, a slice of the mediaeval past preserved almost intact. The high stone fortified walls keep out all noise and the grassy courtyard and mossy cobbles are all yours. This is a beautiful but very simple place to stay, with no indoor bathroom, there is an outside "compost" toilet and a private area where you can wash with water from the well, heated on the iron wood-burning stove.
Family friendly: Families with children have stayed in our guesthouses in Transylvania. A range of activities are available for children as well as grown-ups (walking, cycling, etc)
Pet friendly: Pets are allowed and there is plenty of space for them to run around in the courtyards.
By air: There are flights from London and other major cities to Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca or Targu Mures.
By car: From Bucharest, drive north through Brasov, through Rupea and Sighisoara. All villages are on the left of the main road – Viscri and Crit between Rupea and Sighisoara, Malancrav, Floresti and Biertan between Sighisoara and Medias. Duration: 4-5 hours.
By rail: There are also very good trains from Bucharest’s Gare de Nord to Brasov and Sighisoara. Sighisoara is 1 ½ hours away from Targu Mures and 3 hours from Cluj-Napoca. Airport transfer is available upon request at an extra cost.
Our Transylvania guesthouses are equipped with indoor bathrooms with hot water and WC (sheets and towels are provided). Large courtyards with patio area and lawn.
Viscri: 2 double rooms in two separate buildings facing each other across a cobbled courtyard - each with own shower, hot and cold running water and internal WC. Kitchen separate with wood and/or gas stove.
Malancrav: 3 double bedrooms in two separate cottages set together in a courtyard, with a stable and barn leading into an orchard and vineyard at the back. There is a shower and WC in each cottage, a basically equipped kitchen and a dining room with a wood-burning stove. Outdoor summer kitchen.
Floresti: 1 double room and has recently been restored and refurbished, with indoor WC and shower, a small kitchen area and an outside summer terrace.
Biertan: Located in the main square at the bottom of the church hill, consists of two quite separate large double rooms, each with shower and WC. The rooms overlook a cobbled courtyard and stable. On the right of the courtyard there is a kitchen, downstairs from a quiet shop selling local crafts, lace embroidery and painted furniture.
Crit: 2 double rooms. It was once the ancient site of the first village church and is set in a large courtyard with plum orchard, barn and small private stream. Indoor kitchen and outside summer kitchen. Internal bath and WC.
Cloasterf: Now fully restored by the Trust, it is completely secluded, situated inside the historic precinct of the fortified church. Stepping through the gate, you enter a different time, a slice of the mediaeval past preserved almost intact. The high stone fortified walls keep out all noise and the grassy courtyard and mossy cobbles are all yours. This is a beautiful but very simple place to stay, with no indoor bathroom, there is an outside "compost" toilet and a private area where you can wash with water from the well, heated on the iron wood-burning stove.
Family friendly: Families with children have stayed in our guesthouses in Transylvania. A range of activities are available for children as well as grown-ups (walking, cycling, etc)
Pet friendly: Pets are allowed and there is plenty of space for them to run around in the courtyards.
how to find us
You can reach our guesthouses in Transylvania...By air: There are flights from London and other major cities to Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca or Targu Mures.
By car: From Bucharest, drive north through Brasov, through Rupea and Sighisoara. All villages are on the left of the main road – Viscri and Crit between Rupea and Sighisoara, Malancrav, Floresti and Biertan between Sighisoara and Medias. Duration: 4-5 hours.
By rail: There are also very good trains from Bucharest’s Gare de Nord to Brasov and Sighisoara. Sighisoara is 1 ½ hours away from Targu Mures and 3 hours from Cluj-Napoca. Airport transfer is available upon request at an extra cost.
how this holiday makes a difference
 These guesthouses in Transylvania are an important part of the Trust's Whole Village Project, an integrated approach to rural regeneration and sustainable development through the sensitive use of cultural and natural heritage in Transylvania. Our policy is to attract low intensity, culturally sensitive tourism that brings benefits directly to the community and has a minimum negative impact on the natural and social environment. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the life of the villagers, taking time to enjoy the slow rhythm of life here. All activities (walks, horse-cart rides etc.) are designed to maximise benefits at local level, using exclusively contractors and providers from the village or neighbouring villages. The guesthouses themselves were saved from near-collapse and restored using only natural, traditional building materials and local labour. By staying in these guesthouses, tourists put money back into the community – directly, as the cost of accommodation helps fund the Trust’s charitable projects, and indirectly, by buying and consuming local products and services. In the villages, the Trust helps increase employment opportunities, trains local inhabitants in new or forgotten skills, supports small businesses and craft workshops, improves various facilities (pavements, stream beds, waste collection etc.) and repairs historic buildings and houses. In Viscri we built a traditional brick and tile kiln, which gives jobs to an entire family, while at the same time providing much needed restoration materials. In Malancrav we manage a 100-hectare apple orchard and make organic apple juice. We also manage a 70-hectare nature reserve at Breite near Sighisoara. The Trust is a registered charity and all income from tourism at our guesthouses in Transylvania is used to fund our community projects in the Saxon villages. Initial response of the Trust was to save houses and churches from accelerating dilapidation, but was soon followed by an effort to revive the historical agricultural economy. While introducing the techniques required by the farmers, we began a scheme to train villagers – most of them now Romanians or gypsies – in the use of traditional building materials, and in the art of conservation. We began to restore the old drinking wells, the cobbled streets, and the wattling that shores up the banks of the streams through the villages. We have encouraged inns and guesthouses that might cater for discerning tourists and have built stables for horse-trekking. We also give advice, grants and loans to enable farmers, craftsmen and others to start or expand small ventures – for example, helping owners to make their own conversions or to produce and market local products. The underlying philosophy of all our actions – including the development of small-scale, sustainable tourism – is that the local community should benefit from the unique cultural and natural heritage it possesses. This, in turn, will help increase local people’s understanding and care for these treasures, and will safeguard their future. The entire staff of our guesthouse operations is local in the strictest sense: all cleaning, cooking, maintenance and repair on a particular guesthouse is done by people from that village. Additional activities (walks, horse riding, botanical and wildlife observation tours) are provided by firms and individuals from the region. All food is sourced and cooked in the village, using home-grown natural ingredients. Decorative objects such as pottery, rugs and textiles are made in the village or in the nearest crafts centres. The Trust organised and paid for the local guesthouse caretakers to be trained in offering this type of tourism services, as well as in basic English language skills. Some of the trained caretakers have set up their own self-employed businesses. We funded a number of promotion and information campaigns - printing leaflets, brochures and maps - to help raise awareness internationally about the beauty and plight of the Saxon villages of Transylvania. The information comes mainly from the local people in the village, they love keeping people informed. Before departure we give information about what to see and what to visit in the area and advice on how to get there. We can also provide books, brochures and maps of the area. The entire income from guesthouse goes to our projects, here counted 20% lettings is re-directed towards our biodiversity conservation projects in the area (research, protected area management, ecological education). Traditional farming methods, such as are still practiced in the Saxon villages, are proven to benefit the environment. Our guesthouse tourism encourages and supports local farmers to maintain their small, traditional holdings, which have become an important part of the visitor experience. The meals are cooked with local ingredients and this encourages the peasants to work the land and to produce organic food and make them touch an extra income. By having tourists in their village, the locals are aware of their unique way of life and they try to preserve the meadows, the forests, the barns with animals, the agriculture and the day by day customs. |
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